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Oriole Feeding

It's no wonder that more bird enthusiasts than ever are feeding orioles. Orioles are easy to attract and bring unsurpassed color and song to any yard or garden. 

Orioles prefer open woodlands, river groves and tall shade trees with shrubby undergrowth. 

An easy way to attract an oriole is to offer orange halves firmly placed on tree branches, in a special oriole feeder or fruit holder. 

Hang red or orange ribbons on the feeder. Orioles can see these colors and will find feeders more easily. 

Plant nectar-producing flowering plants, shrubs, and trees in your yard. Try honeysuckle, bleeding heart, petunia, trumpet vine, and more.

There are nine species of orioles in North America: 

• Altamira Orioles

• Audubon Orioles

• Baltimore Orioles

• Bullock's Orioles

• Hooded Orioles

• Orchard Orioles

• Scott's Orioles

• Streak-Backed Orioles

• Spot-Breasted Orioles

The eastern Baltimore and western Bullock's were once lumped together as the Northern oriole. They have been recently reclassified as two separate species. 

Orioles nest in most of the 48 lower states and southern Canada.

For viewing Orioles from a distance - use Audubon Intrepid Binoculars

Their diet consists mainly of insects, but they also enjoy fruit and nectar from flowers and oriole feeders. They are particularly fond of fresh oranges and grape and apple jelly. 

They can be attracted to your backyard with oriole nectar feeders, orange halves and suet. Spoil them with oriole nectar, orange halves and grape jelly on their own feeder!